Ecosocial Theory, Embodied Truths, and the People's Health

A tour de force, Nancy Krieger's latest book weaves together decades of her own pioneering work integrating ecosocial theory, empirical research, and transformative policy and politics. This clear-headed cri de coeur is guided by Krieger's dazzling intellect, deep historical and contextual understanding, methodological knowhow, and above all is motivated by her lifetime of commitment to social and health justice. * Anne-Emanuelle Birn, Global Development Studies, University of Toronto *
In this landmark book, Nancy Krieger makes a compelling case for not simply working to address health inequities but grounding that work firmly in ecosocial theory and a deep understanding of the 'embodied truths our bodies tell.' A masterpiece, from one of the most important public health scholars of the last half century. * Meredith Minkler, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, and co-editor, Community Organizing and Community Building for Health and Social Equity *
Building on decades of research, Nancy Krieger's eloquent writing takes us on a journey through history, science, and sociology to peel back surface explanations and reveal what truly shapes our health. This exposé of how our bodies reflect the embodied truths of society should be required reading for anyone seeking to understand health disparities. * Steven Woolf, Center on Society and Health, Virginia Commonwealth University *
This book connects all the dots—structural racism, class, power, gender, white supremacist culture, policy, ableism, and more—providing the most elegant and accessible explanation of how they all interact, connect, and shape not only embodied health but our environment and public policy. The stories, the data, and the analysis are deftly on point. This book is an absolute game changer. * Makani Themba, Higher Ground Change Strategies, Jackson, Mississippi *
This book provides a clear, accessible entry into one of Nancy Krieger's main contributions to public health literature—the ecosocial theory of disease distribution—with helpful examples for the application and importance of this theory for a general audience. Many communities of color will resonate with her explanation of the interdependence of societal and environmental situations on unequal and disparate health outcomes. * Randall Akee, Departments of Public Policy and American Indian Studies, and Chair of American Indian Studies Interdepartmental Program, University of California, Los Angeles *
Nancy Krieger's groundbreaking concept of ecosocial theory has influenced a generation of environmental and public health scholars. Her expanded framework on discovering truths explores how diverse points of pollution, social stratification, and poverty intersect through the human body. This is a must-read for anyone seeking to advance environmental and racial justice in the public health field. * Michael Méndez, School of Social Ecology, Department of Urban Planning and Public Policy, University of California, Irvine and author, Climate Change from the Streets: How Conflict and Collaboration Strengthen the Environmental Justice Movement *
Nancy Krieger's conceptual thinking has been pushing the boundaries of epidemiological theory for decades now. This 'small book' will rapidly become essential reading for all those who use epidemiology to tackle the multiple dimensions of inequality affecting our societies. * Cesar Victora, International Center for Equity in Health, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Brazil *